Shipping Comparisons

Cargo Capacity of Different Transportation Modes

Comparison of the cargo capacities of a barge, rail car, train, and semi truck (adapted from Iowa Department of Transportation)

Mode of Transportation

Tons of Cargo

Bushels of Cargo

Gallons of Cargo

One Barge

1,500 tons

52,500 bushels

453,600 gallons

One Rail Car

100 tons

3,500 bushels

30,240 gallons

100-car Train Unit

10,000 tons

350,000 bushels

3,024,000 gallons

Large Semi

26 tons

910 bushels

7,865 gallons

Safety of Shipping Methods

Mode of Transportation

Deaths Per Billion Ton-Miles

Injuries Per Billion Ton-Miles

0.01

0.09

0.84

N/A

1.15

21.77

Comparison of the safety records of car, train, and semi truck per billion ton-miles (adapted from Haulk)

Energy Efficiency of Shipping Methods

Number of miles one ton can be carried per gallon of fuel
(Adapted from U.S. DOT Maritime Administration)

Mode of Transportation

Number of Miles/Gallon Carrying One Ton of Cargo

514 miles/gallon

202 miles/gallon

59 miles/gallon

Environmental Quality of Shipping Methods

Comparison of the emissions of different gases into the atmosphere from different shipping methods
(Source: C. Jake Haulk Ph.D. - Inland Waterways as Vital National Infrastructure: Refuting "Corporate Welfare" Attacks)